The Associated PressAndy Griffith has died at 86 after a long career that included starring roles on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock."

Television icon Andy Griffith died Tuesday morning at the age of 86.

Former UNC President Bill Friday, a close friend of the actor, confirmed the news to WITN. Griffith passed away at his home in Dare County, North Carolina around 7 a.m.

Griffith, who launched to fame as Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor on CBS' "The Andy Griffith Show" from 1960-1968, starred in numerous TV shows and films but was most recognized for his namesake series. He later had a second wave of success from 1986 to 1995 starring as Ben Matlock on the legal drama "Matlock."

"The Andy Griffith Show" co-stars included actor-turned-director Ron Howard as his son, Opie Taylor, George Lindsey as a service station attendant named Goober and Don Knotts as high-strung deputy Barney Fife. Knotts died in 2006, and Lindsey died just this past May.

"We—everyone one on the show—have a real sense of community, of kindness, toward one another," Griffith said of the cast in 1965, according to E! News. "The basic rule by which we live comes through...the kindness comes through."